History

Curriculum Intent

At Byron Primary School, our aim is for every pupil to develop a secure, connected understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. We want pupils to be curious about the past, ask thoughtful questions and understand how people, events and ideas have shaped the world in which they live.

Beginning in EYFS and continuing through to Year 6, pupils develop an increasingly secure understanding of chronology, learning to place people, events and periods within a clear historical framework. Over time, they build a coherent understanding of local, British and world history and learn how historians investigate and interpret the past.

Our curriculum develops both substantive knowledge about the past and the disciplinary knowledge needed to think and work as historians. Pupils learn to examine evidence, evaluate sources, consider different interpretations and reach informed conclusions. They explore important historical concepts including continuity and change, cause and consequence, similarity and difference, and historical significance.

Through the study of local, British and world history, pupils encounter different societies, cultures, beliefs and experiences. Meaningful links to Bradford and Byron's diverse community help pupils understand their own place within history while developing Byron's values of Respect, Aspire and Succeed. Pupils learn to respect different perspectives and experiences, aspire through the study of significant individuals who have shaped the world, and succeed by developing the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to think critically and communicate as historians.

History also makes an important contribution to pupils' understanding of British Values. Through the study of democracy, monarchy, parliament, law, migration and social change, pupils develop an understanding of how modern Britain has evolved. They learn the importance of individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance, and understand how different people and communities have contributed to the rich diversity of Britain today.

Curriculum Implementation

In EYFS, children begin to develop an understanding of the past through Byron's bespoke curriculum, which is carefully planned around the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework. Through stories, photographs, discussions, role play, family experiences and exploration of change over time, children begin to develop an awareness of the past and present. They learn to talk about their own lives, compare experiences, recognise similarities and differences and begin to understand chronology through familiar events and experiences.

From Year 1 to Year 6, History is taught through a carefully sequenced long-term plan based on the Kapow Primary History scheme, adapted to meet the needs of Byron pupils and the local context. The curriculum builds progressively from the foundations established in EYFS, enabling pupils to develop increasingly secure chronological understanding, historical vocabulary and disciplinary knowledge.

Pupils study a carefully planned sequence of local, British and world history. They learn about significant people, events, civilisations and societies while developing an understanding of chronology and historical change over time. Each unit is built around an enquiry question, encouraging pupils to think critically, ask questions and investigate evidence.

Historical vocabulary is taught explicitly and revisited throughout the curriculum. Pupils progressively develop the language needed to communicate historical understanding, from early concepts such as past, present and timeline to more complex disciplinary vocabulary including evidence, civilisation, migration, bias and legacy.

Lessons make regular use of retrieval practice, discussion and historical enquiry to help pupils connect new learning with what they have already studied. Teachers adapt learning so that ambitious historical knowledge is accessible to all pupils, including those with SEND and pupils who are developing proficiency in English.

Where appropriate, learning is enriched through educational visits, visitors, artefacts, local studies, high-quality texts and immersive experiences. These opportunities help pupils engage with the past in meaningful ways and deepen their understanding of the people, events and societies they study.

Curriculum Impact

By the end of Year 6, pupils will have developed a secure and increasingly connected knowledge of local, British and world history. They will understand how periods of history relate to one another and will be able to place significant people, events and developments within a coherent chronological framework.

Pupils will be able to:

• Recall important historical knowledge and vocabulary.
• Use timelines, dates and historical terminology accurately.
• Identify continuity and change over time.
• Explain causes and consequences of historical events.
• Compare people, societies and periods of history.
• Ask historically valid questions and evaluate evidence.
• Select relevant evidence to support their conclusions.
• Recognise that interpretations of the past may differ.

As a result of their historical learning, pupils demonstrate respect for different cultures, beliefs and experiences and understand the importance of fairness, equality and inclusion. They are able to discuss contrasting viewpoints thoughtfully and respectfully, drawing on evidence to justify their opinions.

Pupils leave Byron as informed, responsible citizens who understand how the past has shaped modern Britain and the diverse world in which they live. They are well prepared for the next stage of their education and have developed the confidence, curiosity and critical thinking skills needed to continue their study of history.

History -  Progression of Knowledge and SkillsHistory -  curriculum MapHistory - Progression of Vocabulary